tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74719972024-03-13T06:27:54.200-07:00The World According to Tiff SniffMeandering ponderings and wonderings on the state of things.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-46124218116795456582008-11-06T08:37:00.000-08:002008-11-06T08:49:08.489-08:00Rewrite<div>A rewrite of part of the U.S. Supreme Court opinion from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Loving v. Virginia, </span>changing only any word currently referring to race to a word referring to sexual orientation:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Marriage is one of the "basic civil rights of man," fundamental to our very existence and survival.... To deny this fundamental freedom on so unsupportable a basis as the sexual classifications embodied in these statutes, classifications so directly subversive of the principle of equality at the heart of the Fourteenth Amendment, is surely to deprive all the State's citizens of liberty without due process of law. The Fourteenth Amendment requires that the freedom of choice to marry not be restricted by invidious sexual discrimination. Under our Constitution, the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of the same sex resides with the individual and cannot be infringed by the State.<br /><br />There is patently no legitimate overriding purpose independent of invidious sexual discrimination which justifies this classification. The fact that Virginia (California/Florida) prohibits only homosexual marriages involving gay persons demonstrates that the sexual classifications must stand on their own justification, as measures designed to maintain Heterosexual Supremacy.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div>And no, I don't think "protecting the sanctity of marriage" qualifies as a legitimate overriding purpose. There are far more important actions we can, and should, be doing to protect marriage, beginning with starting with our own marriages within in the church.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I do see a great irony in the actions of the people of the state of California in this: for example, Ellen DeGeneres married her girlfriend Portia DiRossi in a lavish ceremony. At the time, it was legal and sanctioned by the state. Now that legality has been taken away, and guess what's left - the memory and the fact of the lavish ceremony. In other words, the "sanctifying" part of the marriage. So yes, homosexuals (for the time) can't legally marry in California, but they can still choose to commit to each other in a purely spiritual and emotional way. And isn't that what really gets the pro-hetero-marriage crowd all in a tizzy? </div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-24037987044158738032008-11-05T20:13:00.000-08:002008-11-05T20:28:37.253-08:00Why I voted for Obama<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">(Disclaimer: this post is ENTIRELY my opinion. I understand, and respect, that there are others who voted, from their conscience as I did, in an entirely different way. I understand that the underlying assumptions I have that led me to these conclusions may be different from yours. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">But I've been asked a few times over the last few days, and thought I'd post the reasons why. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This isn't why I think you should have voted one way or another; it's why I voted the way I did.</span>)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Because under President Bush and his advisors, Americans are less safe, less secure, less insured, less literate, and less free than before he took office. (The Patriot Act, anyone?)<div><br /></div><div>Because under President Bush, America has become the most hated nation in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because under the Republican model of deregulation of the economy, unscrupulous people took advantage of the trust of the American people and undermined our biggest strength.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because I do believe that equal family rights, including marriage and adoption, should be available to all qualifying adults, regardless of sexual morality.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because we (as conservatives) have insisted for years that it was bad for government to be big, increase taxes, and create social welfare programs; that if allowed to keep our money, we would address social issues privately. But we've been given the chance and haven't done it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because our generation has the opportunity to help our government work to eradicate malaria and prevent AIDS around the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because having a black president with a Kenyan father and an Arabic name will give us credibility among those with whom we need to work to eliminate terror around the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because under President Bush we have increased the tax debt and trade deficit we will pass onto our children more than under any other single administration, and this done by an administration who won the White House on a platform in part promising smaller government, lower taxes, and less burden on future generations.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because I'm ready for a change, and I don't think John McCain, as great as he is, was ready to break quite far away enough from the rest of the party to make any real strides away from what they've done for the last 8 years.</div><div><br /></div><div>And lastly, because I'm tired of my faith being hijacked by the religious right and other conservatives who use the name of God and Christ to spread hatred, discrimination, and fear. </div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-13440449367960811502008-11-04T22:25:00.001-08:002008-11-04T22:47:58.171-08:00Church<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So I'm debating whether or not to even post this. Part of me thinks that I need to be polite, and respectful, and to let this pass without public comment.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Then another part of me says that I need to stand up publicly for what I believe. So I'm composing it without a decision, as yet, as to whether or not I will publish it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sunday I walked out of church for the first time in my life. And I have sat through some painful, horrible services. But this week, I had the rug pulled out from under me - an emotional sucker-punch, as I put it in my facebook status.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Most of you probably know<a href="http://tiffsniff.blogspot.com/2005/05/why-do-you-hate-us.html"> how I feel about the issue of gay rights</a>, in particular the right to same-sex marriage. On Sunday, our visiting preacher told us that only in a godless society could we think it's okay to vote in favor of gay marriage, abortion, or condom distribution.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So since I guess I'm godless, I got up and left.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fortunately, there were a handful of other dissidents who had done the same, and we finished service in the parking lot, encouraging each other and commiserating.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I had a friend ask me tonight how I rationalize being a Christian with supporting gay marriage and adoption. (This in response to a facebook status lamenting the absolute trampling of those rights that happened in the polls today.) Here is what I told him: </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">No, I understand. I believe, from what I read of Jesus' life, that he calls his followers to an absolute high standard of morality. Believers are called to hold each other accountable.<br /><br />However, beyond our walls, he tells us to feed the poor, care for the sick, visit prisoners, etc. In other words, in my understanding, to make sure that everyone has the same quality of life that I do. Not to spend our time telling people how to live their lives. That's what he condemned the Pharisees for.<br /><br />The legal right to marriage is very different from the sacrament. What the legal right entails are things like the right to decide medical care when your spouse is incapacitated, the right to have a shared health insurance, the right to inheritance, etc. Marriage is one of the most basic civil rights in America. People can marry who cannot legally enter a contract or stand trial. If two men or women want to make a legal commitment to one another, I feel like they should have the right to do so.<br /><br />If we're worried about the "state of marriage" in America, we need to spend some time and energy dealing with the rampant divorce, adultery, abuse, neglect, etc., going on in hetero marriages in the church. Classic speck in your own eye, if you ask me.<br /><br />In the meantime, the best way to show God's love is to give this community the same rights we would want and expect once they've decided to build a life together. A decision that we can't control one way or another, in the end.<br /><br />I know not everyone agrees with me, and why, and I respect it. In contrast to those who would claim that true Christians must all be led to the same conclusions by the Spirit and march in lockstep, I've come to believe that the Spirit leads us to different convictions and conclusions so that many more things can be accomplished in the name of the Lord. After all, if we were all focused on the problem of abortion, then poverty or disease might not get any attention. If we all spend our energy building a children's ministry, and ignore the seniors at a church, the kingdom suffers. We need people willing to be passionate and committed and work in all areas. I think this is just part of that.<br /><br />Anyway, this is a short summary, but I hope it helps. Regardless of the outcome we've seen tonight, I feel more optimistic about our ability, as a nation, to put differences aside and come together to confront the problems we're wading through now.<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div>And so I'm watching to see what the fallout will be at our congregation. I hope that this is a fluke - an example of a guest speaker not knowing his audience. I'm not offended that his politics are different than mine, but that he chose to express his opinion in a way that denigrated and condemned my own, and in the process alienated a good number of people who were on the bubble, at Otter Creek to see what this Jesus character is all about. Now they see that Jesus' followers are as hateful and judgmental as they'd heard. They won't be back, I guarantee it. This man has successfully driven them away from God, probably not what he thought he was doing with his lesson.</div><div><br /></div><div>It hurt, on a personal level, because my beliefs have been informed by my faith and study in Christ, and not in the least by influence from any "godless" source, whatever that is.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, I think that human dignity is one of God's primary concerns - at least as far as we are called and expected to act. Telling someone that they don't have the right to take care of their loved ones in the same way that heterosexuals do is denying the homosexual community a recognition of their dignity and worth as creations beloved of my God.</div><div><br /></div><div>If anything, though, I've seen tonight that America is capable of change, of broadening our horizons and becoming a better society. We saw tonight the results of previous generations challenging perceptions and beliefs. I'll be able to tell my kids that I voted for the nation's first African American president. A hundred years ago, that was as feared and hated as gay marriage is now, and so I'm hopeful that change can and will come, and hopefully much more quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-21675310035383188602008-11-02T14:07:00.000-08:002008-11-02T14:08:38.846-08:00So I realized today that 17-year-old Tiffany would have thought that 30-year-old Tiffany is pretty awesome and someone to want to be like.<div><br /></div><div>And that is a really cool feeling.</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-32878420413418944762008-10-10T22:21:00.000-07:002008-10-10T22:27:45.014-07:00Just becauseAlmost everything you knew about me a year ago has changed. Just so you're in the loop. Here's a short list:<div><br /></div><div>1. Currently working as a temp attorney, taking work when and where I can get it, and in the meantime, doing some traveling and enjoying life.</div><div>2. This summer I spent two weeks in New Orleans working with impoverished youth. Amazing. I have even looked at jobs down there.</div><div>3. Then, one of my girls from England came for a visit. We drove from Nashville to Orlando, to New York, to Niagara and back. Also amazing. Have also looked at jobs in the UK.</div><div>4. Moved into a house with a yard and a dog and awesome new roommates. Miss the old roommate, too, though, just for the record.</div><div>5. Just signed up for <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a>. I know some of y'all have done it in the past, so if you have advice, send it my way. Or, you know, ideas of what to write about. </div><div>6. Kinda think I want to be a teacher now. Have looked into what all that would take. Basically just need to find a school that needs a history/civics teacher and start from there.</div><div>7. Still driving the same car, going to the same church, and listening to Lightning 100.1. So not everything has changed.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>More soon.....</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-6324164852605622352008-04-11T08:57:00.000-07:002008-04-11T09:39:51.514-07:00Dreams & DeterminationsThe other night I had a great dream. I started out at church. After service, my friend Lara asked me if I wanted to go to a movie with her and some of our other friends. I agreed, and we all piled into her car. Instead of the cinema, however, she drove us to the airport.<br />"Why are we at the airport? I thought we were going to a movie."<br />"We are. The movie is only playing in Yemen, though."<br />So we flew to Yemen. I was a little disappointed that I hadn't known ahead of time, as I would have brought my camera, but I had my cell and was able to snap a few shots on the crap cam. I don't remember whether or not we saw the movie, but I was excited to visit a new place. We saw some crazy, scary, cool statues and ruins, and a gorgeous beach with golden sand and water so clear we could see the fishes swimming several yards out.<br /><br />I'm not sure where the Yemen thing came from. The only connection I have to it (which I mentioned to one of my friends in the dream) is that in the movie "Night at the Roxbury" (which, yes, I own on DVD) the Boutabi family is from Yemen. Random, I know.<br /><br />I've been dreaming about beaches a lot lately. I think it's driven by my desire to get back out to LA and see my friends out there. Two of my best friends in Cali just had babies, and I need to go spoil them a good bit. But I also think that it's a deeper yearning. The last couple of weeks have been hard for me, spiritually and emotionally. I can't really point to any single cause, other than just the general buildup of stress over my unemployed situation. I've just been in a general funk for a few days now. And so I'm seeking to surround myself with friends who encourage and support me. It's hard, because I'm frequently scheduled to work both Friday and Saturday night on any given weekend, and that significantly cuts down on the time I have available to spend with people who work 9-5. I'm spending way too much time alone. Much more than is good for my spirit. And so I think that is driving the desire for a vacation out west, where I could spend several uninterrupted days basking in friendship and love.<br /><br />Wow, didn't mean to be so down today, but I am trying to be honest about my situation and what I'm going through. Both because I know other people have been through it, and might read this and be able to offer me encouragement, and because other people will go through it and might be encouraged to know they are not alone in either situation or temperament.<br /><br />As for my situation, not a lot has changed. On the surface, anyway. There's just not much out there, and nothing that fits both my qualifications and career goals. Unless something new opens up soon, I'm looking at either having to try to work on my own again (which I dread doing because it was so hard on me the last time) or make a drastic career change, which I don't want to do for obvious reasons. I'm still trying to be in prayer about it, but it's definitely hard to keep praying when there seems to be no real answer. I'm going through the motions most days. But at least (for now) I'm going. And that's something, right?Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-58767259880181242772008-03-25T14:59:00.000-07:002008-03-25T15:23:08.169-07:00SurprisesThe last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind for me. Which was kind of a nice change of pace, although it interfered greatly with my ability to get the routine things done.<br /><br />The first, and less interesting thing, is that I've picked up a lot of hours at work lately. I'm getting a lot of good feedback from my higher-ups, and have been called in to work on some special projects, which has been great for the old self-esteem. If this law thing doesn't work out....<br /><br />But the other, really fun thing that happened, is that my brother's passport was stolen! Hmm, maybe I should explain. My brother, Ted, has traveled to China 4 times in the last few years. (In fact, he's there now as I'm typing this.) So a few weeks ago, he sent his passport to the Chinese embassy to get his visa in order to enter the country this month. Somewhere in the shipping process (yes, we know where; no, we don't know who did it), his passport, with the visa in it, was lost, presumed stolen.<br /><br />This was discovered when, 2 days before his flight, he still hadn't received it.<br /><br />So. Ted was able to change his flight by one week, in order to go to Washington, D.C., to renew everything in person. I was the only one whose work schedule would allow it, so I got to go up there with him. <br /><br />It was great, first of all, for the two of us to spend some time together. Fortunately, we both have the same approach to road trips, which is: only talk when both/all parties want to talk. Otherwise, put your headphones on and read a book or sleep. This approach works quite well, especially as we had 2 decades of family trips during which to perfect it.<br /><br />D.C. was overrun with schoolchildren, as happens in the spring. But it's a great city - pedestrian-friendly, lots to do, and endlessly photogenic. I went sightseeing while Ted stood in line in the passport office and at the Chinese embassy. <br /><br />Here are the highlights:<br /><br />1. Remember, a few weeks ago, when I said I wanted to get to a Real Art Museum? Well, the National Gallery has always been one of my favorites. And it's free. So I spent a few hours there last Tuesday. I spent all of my time in the 18th and 19th-century French and British wing. That's where they have the paintings by my (current) favorite artist, Pissarro. Ever since I was first introduced to his work, I have been pretty fixated on it. I just respond to it at a molecular level, and can pick his work out of a pile of others. Something about the light, and the detail work he does. I just get it,<br /><br />Anyway, as I was wandering the wing, I kept coming across a tour group of retirees with a docent who really seemed to know what he was talking about. (If not, he was really good at faking it.) So I kept an eye on them, to see if they would go into the room with the Pissarro paintings. I don't know a whole lot about the artist, and was curious about what the guide would say. Sure enough, after a lengthy bit about Manet's impressionism debut, he led them to the tiny little room that I love. He didn't say much, but he did say that (1) Pissarro was a mentor to Cezanne, and a father-figure to Van Gogh, who are two of my other favorites. And (2) that he was the oldest member of the Impressionists, and so served as a teacher to the group, and as the mediator and peace-keeper. Perhaps I give myself too much credit, but I kind of think that maybe that's why I get his work. Sounds like he and I are a lot alike.<br /><br />2. Ted and I were trying to decide where to eat dinner around Knoxville on the way up there. As we drove around the little exit, I said, "You know, I could really go for Arby's." Just then, an Arby's sign appeared on the horizon. I then tried saying "You know, I could really go for $1 million", but it didn't work.<br /><br />3. My favorite part of the week: when Ted and I arrived late Monday afternoon, we decided to do a test run of everything he would need to do Tuesday, so he would have a sense of how long it would take. The Chinese embassy is north of Georgetown, and the subway doesn't run up there, so we took the bus. I was trying to remember where the <a href="http://www.lush.com/">LUSH</a> (my favorite store) is in D.C., and I thought it might be in Georgetown, so I told Ted to keep his eyes open. We didn't see it on the way out, but on the way back, I watched again. (I'm very stubborn, especially about LUSH.) I was talking to Ted about something, when all of a sudden, I smelled it. No kidding. From inside the bus. Now, if you've ever been to a LUSH, you know it has a very distinctive scent - all those yummy bubble baths and bath bombs and soaps. But still. I shrieked and made Ted get off the bus with me at the next stop. It was everything I hoped for. I got some new shampoo that, so far, I'm very happy with.<br /><br />Oh, and Ted got his new passport and visa, obvs, and left for Asia on Saturday, where he is having a fantastic time. And hopefully buying me something fun as a thank-you. I'm hoping for the entire Arrested Development series, or maybe some jewelry like he got last time. I kind of think I might get something from LUSH, though.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-57032308097957229732008-02-29T11:20:00.000-08:002008-02-29T11:25:18.144-08:00Personality TestsI will admit to being something of a narcissist, although no more than the average American adult. Still, I love anything that tells me more about myself. For example, in law school, I went through a huge emode.com/tickle.com phase. I didn't always agree with the results, though: my "spice" was vanilla, my "Friend" was Rachel, my inner pop start was Britney (before she went off the deep end), and my theme song was "Walking on Sunshine". I'd like to think I'm a little more interesting than all of these.<br /><br />Anyway, Jen posted this on her facebook account, and I couldn't resist taking it. It's pretty accurate, if simplistic. Link is <a href="http://www.blogthings.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/">here</a>, if you'd like to take it for yourself.<br /><br />And if you're curious, I'm an INTJ.<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="350" align="center" border="0"><tbody><tr><td align="middle" bg style="color:#eeeeee;"><br /><span style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: blackfont-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;" ><br /><strong>Your Five Factor Personality Profile</strong><br /></span></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff"><br /><center><img height="100" src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/personality.jpg" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Extroversion:<br /><br /><br /><br />You have medium extroversion.<br /><br />You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.<br /><br />Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.<br /><br />But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."<br /><br /><br /><br />Conscientiousness:<br /><br /><br /><br />You have medium conscientiousness.<br /><br />You're generally good at balancing work and play.<br /><br />When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.<br /><br />But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it.<br /><br /><br /><br />Agreeableness:<br /><br /><br /><br />You have high agreeableness.<br /><br />You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.<br /><br />Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.<br /><br />You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.<br /><br /><br /><br />Neuroticism:<br /><br /><br /><br />You have medium neuroticism.<br /><br />You're generally cool and collected, but sometimes you do panic.<br /><br />Little worries or problems can consume you, draining your energy.<br /><br />Your life is pretty smooth, but there's a few emotional bumps you'd like to get rid of.<br /><br /><br /><br />Openness to experience:<br /><br /><br /><br />Your openness to new experiences is high.<br /><br />In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas.<br /><br />You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits.<br /><br />A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/thefivefactorpersonalitytest/">The Five Factor Personality Test</a></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-8734319272443297902008-02-28T13:53:00.000-08:002008-02-28T14:37:26.641-08:00AhemI've had it pointed out to me, one or twenty times, that it's been quite a while since I updated this blog.<br /><br />So here's a quick update on everything going on in the last few months:<br /><br />1. My laptop died at the end of summer. Hence the slowdown in posts at that time. I have not yet replaced it, but when I do, hope to be able to write more regularly.<br /><br />2. I went to England, again. Pictures at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiffsniff/sets/72157602785099420/">my Flickr page</a>. It was a great week, except that I was very, very ill. I got sick the Wednesday before we left (we left that Friday). Thursday, the day before we left, I went to see the doctor, who told me I probably had mono. The in-office test came back negative, but he didn't believe it, so he did bloodwork that came back (negative) a week later. While I was in England. I'll save you all the gory details, just believe me when I say I've had more enjoyable trips.<br /><br />3. While coming back from England (as in, literally on the plane over the Atlantic), I did a little praying about my job. I had realized that I was getting restless at work, that I was frustrated that I wasn't moving forward at all, and that I really, really didn't want to be an accountant. So I asked God to help me figure it out. That if I was meant to stay where I was, would He help me to focus and dig in. But if it was, in fact, time for me to move on, that He would make that clear. Two days after I got home, my boss called me in my office and told me that she thought I was getting restless and that she thought it was time for me to move on. I've been a little bit afraid to pray ever since.<br /><br />4. After a few weeks of getting "Call me back after the holidays" from people, I went over to the mall and applied for, and received, a seasonal position at Williams-Sonoma. I'm still there, and actually really love it.<br /><br />5. I qualified for unemployment compensation, so with that supplementing my WS paycheck (and some significant lifestyle changes), I'm in a position to be a little choosy with my next job. I won't have to take the absolute first thing that comes along, if it's not a good fit. Although, with the way things have fallen out, I kind of think that the first thing that comes along will probably be the right thing.<br /><br />6. My roommate has decided to get her own place (not at all a surprise) when our lease is up in a few weeks. I haven't done a lot to really look for anything yet, not knowing what my work situation will be. But I think I've found a place, anyway. A friend who lives in a house also has a roommate moving out. Rent will be less than what I'm paying, which is key at this point. So it's good.<br /><br />7. My best friend in Cali, <a href="http://tamibarnett.blogspot.com/">Tami</a>, had a baby boy. He's beautiful, and I'm saving my pennies to pay for a plane ticket to go see them.<br /><br />8. I went to Searcy, AR, this weekend to see <a href="http://erinlcox.wordpress.com/">my dear friend Erin</a>. I hadn't seen her in a year, and hadn't really spent time with her in several. I also hadn't been back to Harding in 5 years, so it was time. I had a great time with Erin and her family, and also got to drop in on my favorite professor/mentor, <a href="http://www.harding.edu/lklein/">Lori Klein</a>, and catch up for an hour. Plus, I'd been itching to get out of my routine a bit, so it was a much-appreciated weekend.<br /><br />9. This year, I gave up drinking everything except water for Lent. This has been hard.<br /><br />Along the way, I also:<br />Settled an old, unsettled, painful relationship situation.<br />Switched up my birth control (my body is still going crazy).<br />Hiked at Radnor Lake at least once a week, even in the nasty weather.<br />Have been cooking like a fiend, urged on equally by being able to watch Martha everyday and my wicked discount at WS.<br />Got hooked on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" by my friend Lara.<br />Went on a fun day trip w/ said friend Lara and Michael to Mammoth Cave, including a short stop at Dinosaur World. Highlight of the day was seeing the salt truck that had crashed on the icy roads.<br />Cleaned out my CD, DVD, and book collections and made a little moolah at McKay's.<br />Cleaned out my closet and donated a bunch of clothes that don't fit anymore.<br />Got my little sister hooked on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".<br />Went to a bunch of concerts and movies.<br />Read like a fiend.<br />Wrote a little bit. (Not here, obv.)<br />Had a hankering to see an art show. Went to Hatch Show Prints instead.<br />Had a hankering for a spiritual retreat/pilgrimage. Went to my alma mater instead.<br /><br /><br />Alright. That's all for now. More soon, hopefully, including posts on the nature of pilgrimages and the lessons I've been learning about water and its prevalence in theological and literary sources.<br /><br /><br />PS - I now find my last post, below, a little eerie and unnerving.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-7569975589077620652007-10-10T10:40:00.000-07:002007-10-10T10:45:12.325-07:00SongsSong in my head: "I Love Trash" by Oscar the Grouch. Seriously.<br /><br />Song in my heart:<br /><br />Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side.<br />Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.<br />Leave to thy God to order and provide;<br />In every change, He faithful will remain.<br />Be still, my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend<br />Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.<br /><br />Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake<br />To guide the future, as He has the past.<br />Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;<br />All now mysterious shall be bright at last.<br />Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know<br />His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.<br /><br />Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on<br />When we shall be forever with the Lord.<br />When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,<br />Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.<br />Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past<br />All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-71613459551880340242007-08-13T15:56:00.000-07:002007-08-13T15:58:11.032-07:00CreepySaturday at Borders, I had a man tell me I have "pretty toes" that are "dangerous to a man with a foot fetish".<br /><br />Ew.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-47503317407927558762007-08-02T15:55:00.000-07:002007-08-02T16:08:46.656-07:00Thankful ThursdayToday I am grateful for:<br /><br />1. My amazing family, whom I always find interesting and who are always up to fun things. <br />2. The fact that I have a job that affords me a place to live, food to eat, gas for my car, and the occasional <a href="http://www.thenobility.com/site.php?content=goods">CD</a>.<br />3. The people that God has put in my life to remind me of important truths just when I need to hear them.<br />4. Ice cream. <br />5. LOST on DVD.<br />6. LoveMonkey on DVD, courtesy of Jen.<br />7. Good books and movies and music. They feed me emotionally.<br />8. Coworkers with whom I have real relationships.<br />9. A long-awaited pregnancy (not my own).<br />10. 6:00 p.m.<br /><br /><br />Things I'm raving on:<br />1. HBO's series "Rome" (on DVD). Holy Moley is this a great show. The roommate and I have been watching it courtesy of Netflix, and it's killing me that I have to wait another week for Season 2 to come out on DVD. (Warning: it's very graphic, in every sense of the word.)<br />2. "Hairspray". I want to live in this musical.<br />3. "The Mezzanine", the new CD by <a href="http://www.thenobility.com/site.php">The Nobility</a> (formerly Jetpack UK). It's really fun.<br />4. The <a href="http://www.williamsoncountyfair.org/">Williamson County Fair</a>, which starts tomorrow. This is my Uncle Dave's baby. It's in its third year, and we will once again be selling Icees. Hopefully this year I'll yet again have plenty of fun <a href="http://tiffsniff.blogspot.com/2005/08/open-letter-to-ferris-wheel-operator.html">stories</a> to share.<br />5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. There's nothing more I can say here about that.<br /><br />Bring on the Friday.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-75237592432073693222007-07-24T11:39:00.000-07:002007-07-24T11:40:25.131-07:00LaughingI just read <a href="http://truemomconfessions.com/confessions/tmc664896485">this </a>while I was eating lunch and it made me laugh out loud at my desk.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-44110757857340590622007-07-15T18:01:00.001-07:002007-07-15T18:22:23.717-07:00Mourn with those who mourn...Perhaps the most defining event in my life happened when I was just five years old. My sister, Tara, was born, weeks early and underdeveloped. Specifically, the blood vessels between her heart and lungs had not fully formed, leaving her unable to sufficiently oxegenate her body. She lived at Vandy's NICU for the next two months, finally coming home still attached to both a respirator and a heart monitor. My parents were given repeated dire predictions. She wouldn't live through the night. She wouldn't live to be 2 years old. She might live, but would never walk. She would be on medication the rest of her life.<br /><br />For several weeks, my parents had to intubate her to feed her and then reinsert the respirator tube. She was finally taken off of that machine, but stayed on a heart monitor for several months. At the time, she and I shared a bedroom, and it fell to me to get up to replace the sensors when she pulled them off her skin. At the time, I knew it wasn't normal that the baby was so sick, but I didn't really have any idea of what was going on, of the level of crisis my family was living at.<br /><br />Eventually, I'm happy to say, Tara defied the odds and proved them all wrong. Every single one of the above predictions failed to be true. She is a wonderful, healthy college graduate planning on a career in - what else - medicine.<br /><br />Much of who I am can be traced to that time. Some traits I may have already had, but the events certainly enhanced them. My need to succeed and be responsible to please my parents. My deep maternal sense and talents. It definitely emphasized the oldest - middle - youngest child dynamic in our family.<br /><br />This morning at church, it was announced that a family in our congregation lost their days-old baby girl, who was born with a heart defect and other complications. I cannot put into words for you the heartwrenching grief that has taken hold of me today. <br /><br />This afternoon, I did what I always do when I'm hurting deeply, and went for a walk at Radnor Lake. As I walked, Romans 12 came to mind: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep". It never occurred to me before that this was a gift, and not just a command. For I have no doubt that I have, for whatever reason, been given some share of this family's grief to share. I've never felt anything like this, at least not for someone I don't know very well. But I'll gladly take it. For one thing, I know it is only a fraction of what they must be carrying. But also, it is a new experience for me - a new spiritual gift that I am given. And so I know that through it I will see another face of God. <br /><br />Tonight's Celebration service was full of songs celebrating God's power, faithfulness, and goodness. It was hard for me to understand those songs tonight, although I know them to be true. And so I'm praying for this family's faith, for renewal for them, and comfort, and for their broken hearts to be healed. Although I know all of this will take time for them.<br /><br />If you're the praying kind, pray with me for them. This is a new kind of sharing to me, but it has somehow made me feel a little more generous and grateful for what I have had in my life, my sister and amazing family most of all.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-51523926873809846142007-06-01T13:09:00.000-07:002007-06-01T13:12:58.583-07:00Dear Fox News....I know your stories are primarily written for TV, but seriously. <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,277117,00.html">This made me laugh</a> (not the story - the excerpt below):<br /><br /><em>Cartwright said the 8 victims taken to local hospitals had injuries that quote — could be considered life threatening.</em><br /><br />Read that sentence out loud. And realize it appeared as is on a website. That people read. Where you can actually use quotation marks to indicate a quote. You don't have to use the word.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-52845486340637132122007-05-31T11:01:00.001-07:002007-05-31T11:06:44.414-07:00My famous DadWas interviewed for NPR's "All Things Considered" yesterday. Here's a <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10554020">link to the audio report</a>.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-14576847464069383552007-05-30T11:24:00.000-07:002007-05-30T11:35:16.010-07:00Fun with Food MemeThe Rules:<br /><br /><strong>1. Add a direct link to your post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include the city/state and country you’re in.</strong><br /><br />Nicole (Sydney, Australia)<br />velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)<br />LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)<br />Selba (Jakarta, Indonesia)<br />Olivia (London, England)<br />ML (Utah, USA)<br />Lotus (Toronto, Canada)<br />tanabata (Saitama, Japan)<br />Andi (Dallas [ish], Texas, United States)<br />Todd (Louisville, Kentucky, United States)<br />miss kendra (los angeles, california, u.s.a)<br />Jiggs Casey (Berkeley, CA, USA! USA! USA!)<br />Tits McGee (New England, USA)<br />Joe (NE Tennessee, USA)<br />10K Monkeys (Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA)<br />Big Stupid Tommy (Athens, Tennessee, USA)<br />Newscoma (Weakley County, Tennessee, USA)<br />Russ McBee (Knoxville, Tennessee, USA)<br />Atomictumor Mrs Eaves (Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA)<br />Oh Really? LissaKay (Oak Ridge, TN, USA)<br />Inn of the Last Home (Knoxville, TN USA)<br />I Am DisHeartened by My Jetta (Nashville, TN, USA)<br />Big Orange Michael (Smyrna, TN USA)<br />TiffSniff (Nashville, TN, USA)<br /><br /><strong>2. List out your top 5 favorite places to eat at your location. (Please note: These are in no particular order). </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><u>McCreary's Pub</u> (Franklin, TN) - Okay, so technically this one isn't in Nashville, but it's close, and I lived in Franklin up until a year ago. Smoke-free, live music on the weekends. I think it's about time to head out there again.<br /><br /><u>Hog Heaven</u> (the shack next to the Centennial Park McDonald's) - I'm planning on eating here for dinner tonight. Best BBQ in town. Be sure to try the white BBQ sauce.<br /><br /><u>Baja Burrito</u> - Need I say more?<br /><br /><u>Pancake Pantry</u> - Not just a tradition, they actually have fantastic, inexpensive food.<br /><br /><u>Rotier's</u> - Best burgers in town. Hands down. Try a milkshake, too.<br /><br /><strong>3. Tag 5 more people to join the fun</strong>: I pick <a href="http://fabricsnob.blogspot.com">Mel</a>, <a href="http://princessshelleymarie.blogspot.com">Michelle</a>, <a href="http://abthompson.blogspot.com/">Adam</a>, <a href="http://jphilwilson.blogspot.com">Phil</a>, and <a href="http://tamibarnett.blogspot.com/">Tami.</a> (I would pick you, too, Jen, but you're on another continent. Next time!) Mostly because you're the only ones who still read this thing. But also because I love you guys. Have fun!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-12936957896904174092007-05-07T12:38:00.000-07:002007-05-07T12:44:41.609-07:00Quick thoughts1. The end of LOST: not a bit surprised that there will be 6 total seasons. I've theorized for a while that there would be 6. So far, the seasons have covered days on the island that track Hurley's "lucky" numbers. The first season covered about 40 days. 42, I think. The second season covered 3 weeks after the raft set sail. 23 days. So far this season, we've seen Jack/Kate/Sawyer spend a week w/ the Others, and have seen Ben promise to attack the beach after another week. I think it's a safe bet that that is where this season will end. So probably 16 days total for this season. Yep, 3 more seasons to count out the numbers. I think they've known (or at least wanted) to have 6 seasons all along.<br /><br />2. Just a personal horn-toot: I've dropped 29 pounds from my all-time high. I also just bought several new pieces of clothes in a size I've not worn since high school. I'm not proud that I was ever that big, but I'm glad to be a much healthier weight. Hopefully there is more weight loss still to come, too. (Not a lot more, but some more.)<br /><br />3. Seriously, I can't quit listening to the new Travis album (see my previous post if you're lost. Hee hee, lost!). It's fantastic. And I'm not one to listen to a song or album on repeat, normally. Wow, this is really good.<br /><br />4. Hmmm, okay, maybe that's it.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-63275527085282052892007-05-07T10:25:00.000-07:002007-05-07T10:26:55.373-07:00Go here now.<a href="http://spinner.aol.com/artists/new-releases-full-cds">Spinner</a> has both the new Wilco and new Travis albums streaming for free this week.<br /><br />(ps - my birthday <em>is</em> soon, you know.)Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-89475730059779348262007-04-26T14:59:00.000-07:002007-04-26T15:04:10.182-07:00Music poetryAs promised (you know if you were one of the people I promised this to), some haiku and a sonnet about recent concerts I've attended:<br /><u><em></em></u><br /><u><em>Rites of Spring<br /></em></u>Drunk frat boys, drunk girls,<br />Crowds, loud music and good friends:<br />Saturday was great.<br /><br /><em><u>Will Hoge</u></em><br />Smoky, crowded, loud,<br />Exit/In and Will on stage<br />Make a perfect night.<br /><br /><u><em>Steamboat</em></u><br />A few times recently I’ve been so blessed<br />As to see local guys in a great band<br />Called Steamboat. Now that I’ve become a fan<br />I’ll say that as for cover bands, they’re best.<br /><br />They play the great old classics, country, blues,<br />Pretty much anything that flat out rocks.<br />These guys know how to play so that your socks<br />Are blown to some far place away from you.<br /><br />Alas they plan to soon take a new name;<br />Their fans may never be just quite the same.<br /><br />Previous compositions in <a href="http://tiffsniff.blogspot.com/2007/03/ode-to-long-afternoon.html">iambic</a> <a href="http://tiffsniff.blogspot.com/2005/07/something-new.html">pentameter</a>.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-70640171847272183342007-04-25T16:17:00.000-07:002007-04-25T16:19:15.098-07:00?!?!?!?Today's one of those days when it seems like everything is going to hell. It sucks.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-86184101501410863562007-04-13T07:35:00.000-07:002007-04-13T13:35:41.168-07:00Grandmama<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tiffsniff/351223458/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/351223458_2c18edec00.jpg" width="500" height="415" alt="The Fox family farm" /></a><br /><br />My grandmother passed away in her sleep last night. This was my dad's mom, the one who has had Parkinson's Disease for 15 years. The last time I saw her, for her birthday two weeks ago, she didn't know who I was. Well, she thought she did - she kept calling me Lura Mae, who is a distant cousin who died decades ago. She has thought I'm Lura Mae several times over the last couple of years.<br /><br />This was the grandmother who taught me to sew, taught me to cook, taught me to garden. For most of my life, she never cut her hair, and wore it pinned up every day. Every Saturday she would wash it. It was so long that, to do so, she would have to kneel over the bathtub and let her hair fill it up. I remember thinking she must have been Rapunzel when she was young.<br /><br />She and my grandfather (who died almost exactly 5 years ago) were still madly in love with one another until the day he died. And in fact, when the Parkinson's ravaged her mind and stole her memories, she would forget that he had died, and would have to live through that all over again. Her grief at those moments was almost unbearable. I've never loved anyone that much, I don't think.<br /><br />There are so many things I wish I'd asked her - how she made her okra, her oatmeal, and her beef stew, how to actually finish a quilt and use her quilting frame, how to can and put up jams and vegetables. Her house, that is so familiar to me, is beautifully decorated. It wasn't until the last few years that I've appreciated the quality of furnishings and decor at the farm. She collected a lot of things, but all of them had some beautiful or whimsical value. There's an old crank-phone, two 1940's radios with record players (and my grandfather's hundreds of records dating back to the 1920's), antique furniture handed down from family long ago, and at least 4 or 5 complete sets of dishes - none of them newer than probably 1975. There's a soup tureen and matching soup mugs that look like bee hives. She collected miniature bottles and vases, and set the glass in the window where they would catch the light. She sewed quilts for every room and was meticulous in her cleaning. In fact, when she had to move up to Nashville and physically couldn't help with the housework, it devastated her. She didn't know who she was or what to do without being able to keep the house.<br /><br />She loved God, and every night that my siblings and I would stay at the farm, the night would end with us reading a story from the picture Bible and reciting prayers together.<br /><br />She taught me so much, and has had a great influence on me even today. Her mind has been going for a while now, and I've already been missing her. So today I'm going to rejoice that she is finally whole again, and reunited with the love of her life.<br /><br /><strong>Update:</strong><br />Yes, this is the grandmother who accused my sister of getting herself knocked up and my dad of having an affair. All products of the disease, I might add. I think my favorite, though, was <a href="http://tiffsniff.blogspot.com/2006/01/grandmama.html">this story</a> from last year.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-73139427231465951942007-04-11T14:01:00.000-07:002007-04-11T14:17:39.793-07:00Fired upIf someone came into my parents' place of business, and ate a donut they didn't like, and paid more for it than they thought it was worth, and thought the kid behind the counter was rude, and then this person went out to dinner with some friends and said, in a public place, "Man, that place was bad today. The service sucked and the product wasn't worth the price." If that happened, would you think my parents had the right to sue that person? What if this was said on a blog?<br /><br />Mom and Dad wouldn't be happy, that's for sure, but would they have the right to take that person to court?<br /><br />Apparently there are some attorneys in town who would say Yes.<br /><br />My friend Kat had a recent unpleasant experience with a company called JL Kirk & Associates. She posted on her blog about her unpleasant experience, and a conversation ensued regarding the seemingly-sketchy way they handled her and her husband's situation. An employee of this (allegedly) professional and esteemed company came to Kat's blog and posted confidential information about Kat and said some nasty things. Kat moved that comment to her front page so that everyone could see the actions of this person for themselves.<br /><br />Now Kat's been <a href="http://mycropht.wordpress.com/2007/04/11/this-entry-for-a-limited-time-only/">threatened with a lawsuit</a> if she doesn't remove all of this.<br /><br />It's a bunch of bullshit. From what I can tell, she has done anything that would warrant a winnable lawuit, and the lawyer who wrote this letter should know that - he works for the pre-eminent First Amendment experts around. They are simply attempting to bully her into taking back what she said.<br /><br />More reasonable people would probably reach out to her and try to resolve the situation by putting her fears and concerns to rest. They might even let it go, knowing that it would blow over and there are plenty of other people who haven't read her story who will buy their services. But now, the story is spreading around Nashville blogs like wildfire.<br /><br />And so I and many of the other local bloggers are taking her story even more public. We may all get letters telling us to stop. I don't know. I do know that in America, I can express my opinion about someone freely, and I think these people are just awful, based on the way they have handled this situation. <br /><br />But to see what all the fuss is about, and to get the links so that you can repost them on your blog, you can start at <a href="http://www.nashvilleistalking.com/2007/04/11/a-play-by-play-the-jl-kirk-associates-saga/#comments">Nashville is Talking</a>, where Brittney has linked all of the major action so far. Be sure to read her <a href="http://www.nashvilleistalking.com/2007/04/11/shes-been-served/#comments">original link</a>, as well, where there are some great suggestions and analysis of the situation in the comments.<br /><br />For what it's worth, Kat is one of my favorite people in the Nashville blogging community. When I was hurting and looking for work two years ago, she emailed me encouragement and helped me find some work, even though we'd never met face-to-face. I find her to be consistently kind, strong, intelligent, and fun, and highly recommend <a href="http://mycropht.wordpress.com/">her blog</a> for regular reading.<br /><br />It pisses me off to see someone go after her in such a nasty way. No wonder people hate us lawyers.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-62741507437420480882007-04-07T12:20:00.000-07:002007-04-07T12:53:04.610-07:00LifeGrowing up in the good old Church of Christ, there was never a lot of emphasis placed on Easter. Sure, I got a new dress for church and a basket full of candy and toys, but that was about it. It was like any other Sunday, except we always could count on singing "Up From the Grave" at church for sure.<br /><br />That didn't really change until I moved to California. Some of the people I met my first year in school encouraged me to practice Lent with them. I did, and Easter morning we all met on campus and had a sunrise service overlooking the Pacific. Ever since then, Holy Week has become more, well, not meaningful (it was always there after all), but more impactful on me personally. Easter quickly became my favorite holiday, because, after all, it all comes down to this weekend.<br /><br />Until this year. This year, I've been really busy. Practicing for <a href="http://brandonscottthomas.blogspot.com/2007/04/come-join-us-this-sunday-night-for.html">our service tomorrow night,</a> trying to get tax stuff done at work before the April 15 deadline, even just going to more concerts than I have in a while. All of it has taken away the time I would have had to think about this week.<br /><br />Then last night, I had to go to one final rehearsal. I didn't want to go; I had tickets to see <a href="http://www.willhoge.com/">Will Hoge</a> afterwards, and would have rather gone to dinner with my friends. But I knew that I should rehearse, and so I did. I got there and chatted with friends, and we all got into our places on stage and started singing. And something changed.<br /><br />We're singing a song whose lyrics touched me deeply. Suddenly I realized that yesterday was the anniversary. That thousands of years ago, on that very Friday, it happened. The seminal event in human history. The thing that changed everything forever. And I realized that we were entering the dark days - the time when the Christ was in fact dead. When he wasn't alive, teaching and healing, and when he wasn't yet resurrected, promising life and His spirit. When his followers and friends and family were in the dark, mourning and fearful and desperate.<br /><br />And today - today when they were trying to figure out how to get through the day. When they were looking at what they had done for three years, working and building and creating a new world. Looking back on a time when they had known exactly who they were and where they stood in the world and why they were there. All of that gone, in the matter of a day and a half. With no warning, no explanation, no promise of resolution.<br /><br />This is where we live. This Saturday world, where the fall has already happened and dark is upon us. Where our dreams can be crushed, relationships fall apart, people we love can be ripped from us in a heartbeat, with no warning and no explanation and no promise of resolution. We wake up every day and face this world, unsure if we're really supposed to be here, if we're doing things right, if we are loved the way we want to be.<br /><br />But then there's Sunday. Sunday when Jesus' people began to move forward, trusting that if nothing else, this was the Son of God, and God will always work for the good of his people. And when they move toward that belief, act on that faith, approach the tomb to face what must be faced and do what must be done. At that time, oh, the unspeakable joy that awaits.<br /><br />And we are so lucky, because we know that Sunday is tomorrow. And we know that the tomb will be empty, and that we'll find that our lives are even more meaningful and purposeful and full of love and promise and just sheer wonderfulness, than we ever hoped for or imagined. Everything we go through in this Saturday-life is not without meaning, is not unbearable. Because Sunday will break into our lives when we least expect it, and the life and spirit that can fill us on that day makes everything else fall away to the margins.<br /><br />And so it is with that anticipation, that expectancy of God's miracle of new life for everyone, no matter how weary and broken down and torn, that I wait on this Saturday for the new day tomorrow.<br /><br />Christ is risen; praise the Lord!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471997.post-89754309053386806432007-04-04T13:51:00.000-07:002007-04-04T14:00:18.150-07:00More good news......on the music scene.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveling_Wilburys">The Traveling Wilburys</a>' albums are finally being <a href="http://www.cmt.com/news/articles/1555259/03212007/orbison_roy.jhtml">re-released</a>.<br /><br />I've been singing "Handle With Care" for two days, and decided to google them to see if their songs might be on iTunes anytime soon. Holy Moly, both albums are being released again, in every available format. <br /><br />I think the universe is excited and humming the song, and that's why it's been in my head.<br /><br />(FYI, the release date is close enough to my birthday that I'd forgive you if you got this for me as a late present. Just for the record.)Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06737140275571452756noreply@blogger.com5